Palestinian state

Belgium may recognize Palestinian statehood following Hamas's agreement to relinquish control of Gaza, a key condition set by Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot. The move aligns with recent recognitions by Spain, Ireland, Norway, the UK, Canada, Australia, France, and Portugal.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ruled out the possibility of a Palestinian state if he returns to power, stating there is 'no room for two states' between the sea and the Jordan River. He also highlighted a framework agreement with Lebanon as a 'historic accomplishment' that recognizes Israel's right to maintain a security zone in southern Lebanon.

Protesters in Washington, D.C., held the Next250 rally on June 27, 2026, to counter President Donald Trump’s Freedom 250 programming. The event, organized by advocacy groups, featured a 'Declaration of Interdependence' and demands for policies including stricter gun laws, a $25 federal minimum wage, and universal voting rights for the formerly incarcerated.

Norway's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has proposed a bill to ban trade with Israeli settlements in occupied Palestine, citing their violation of international law and obstruction of peace. The proposal would prohibit Norwegian exports to and imports from these settlements in the West Bank.

Norway is preparing legislation to ban all trade with Israeli settlements, which will undergo three months of consultations before a vote. The Foreign Minister stated that these 'colonies undermine the very foundations of the Palestinian state.'

Britain, Canada, France, and Norway announced coordinated sanctions against Israeli networks linked to violence in the West Bank. The sanctions target groups involved in financing, enabling, or carrying out settler violence, which diplomats say undermines prospects for a Palestinian state.

Lebanese president Aoun urges Israel to pursue talks over war and refuses to meet Netanyahu until a deal is signed. He states any agreement would be a non-aggression pact, not a peace deal, with normalization of ties conditional on a Palestinian state.

The Knesset passed a law granting tax benefits to dozens of West Bank settlements. The law is claimed by Smotrich to prevent a Palestinian state, while the opposition accuses the finance minister of diverting funds to a voter base ahead of elections and neglecting the north.

Democrats face internal divisions over Israel's military actions and AIPAC's influence during the DNC meeting. Resolutions on military aid limits and Palestinian state recognition were debated, with polls showing declining support for Israel among Democrats. Criticism of Israel's actions and AIPAC's role highlights ongoing tensions within the party.

Democrats face internal divisions over Israel's military actions and AIPAC's influence during the DNC meeting. Resolutions on Palestinian state recognition, military aid limits, and dark money targeting were debated, reflecting growing anti-Israel sentiment among some party members.